Darren Edmondson has urged Carlisle United's FA Youth Cup heroes to use Wednesday's brave showing at Leicester as further motivation to become professionals at Brunton Park.

United's under-18s pushed their Premier League opponents all the way as they went down 2-1 at the King Power Stadium.

It brought an end to an impressive cup run but Edmondson says the hard work must now continue by his teenage players.

The academy manager said: "We can't let the season peter out now and find that all those second-years get released. They've go to stand up now.

"But this will have done them the world of good. Now they have to continue to progress. The standards they've reached must be there until the end of the season.

"When we all came together and played our first game in August we weren't expecting to be playing at the King Power in January, so they've done very well. They've got to be proud of what they've done.

"Now it's back to the weekly grind of churning out results and performances.

"Where they played on Wednesday is the kind of environment you want to be in - wanting to learn but showing desire to step up and make a statement for themselves to say I'm good enough, and I'm ready to be a professional.

"But it's not just about games at the King Power, it's about improving in all aspects. They're aware of what needs to be done day-in, day-out. It's easier to say it than do it and they're just becoming young men at 17 and 18, we shouldn't forget that.

"But the focus totally has to be on becoming professional footballers."

United made a real contest of it when Cameron Salkeld scored before half-time to reduce Leicester's lead.

Jack Egan later hit the crossbar to deny the young Blues extra-time.

Edmondson, whose side face a league trip to Burnley on Saturday, added: "It was a proud evening for them. I'm sure the parents are very proud of what their sons have produced and we won't hide away from that - this was a huge Category One championship-winning Premier League-winning team's squad they've just come up against.

"We're full of pride in what they've done and several players have done themselves every favour in trying to achieve their goal.

"It was a great goal from Cameron and that's what he's about - pace in behind, and he's a very strong young man. He's got lots of things to work on but he's got a lot of attributes that can give him a real positive end to the season if he applies himself correctly."